Women’s saddle discomfort is an issue that has spanned generations, and is something which bike fit expert Jon Wild and cycling coach Jasmijn Muller, are keen to help address.
During a literature review, Wild and Muller found research studies from the 90s highlighting the medical issues women were facing. Given that 30 years have passed, it’s not unreasonable to hope that we – the cycling industry – would be more successfully offering solutions to a problem that represents a frustrating barrier to regular cycling for a significant percentage of women.
Regrettably, recent articles by Immy Sykes and Gloria Liu highlight that we still haven’t found solutions for many women.
Bicycling’s survey found that nearly 50% of the female respondents had long-term genital swelling or disfigurement. Sykes’ article points out that the percentage is likely a lot higher due to many leaving the sport and, therefore, aren’t there to report in the surveys.
Cycling coach Jasmijn Muller and bike fit experts Pedalling Perfection are working towards changing that.
Conducting in-person research on women who are experiencing saddle discomfort and comparing results to women who don’t have saddle issues, we hope we can find practical solutions that can help more women cycle pain-free.
Their findings are that all the research to date is either:
Research from Wild and Muller aims to be unique in how applied their testing will be, so – if you are a female cyclist with saddle-related discomfort – please consider participating.
Female cyclists from all disciplines and backgrounds are encouraged to attend the Friday, 30 May, evening talk, hosted in Keynsham, at Pedalling Perfection, during which Muller will present the current science and recommendations for prevention and healing.
This will be followed by a first in-person testing day on Saturday, 31 May.
Tickets for ‘Jasmijn Muller – Women’s Saddle (dis) comfort’ are available via Eventbrite.
To express interest in participating in the research study, please contact Pedallingperfection@gmail.com
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